The EPA has handed down its fuel economy estimates for Chevrolet's new 2014 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel. The EPA is estimating the vehicle will get 46 mpg on the highway, making it the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid vehicle in America. General Motors says that the car will be available in certain cities this spring and around the country and Canada early this fall.

The turbodiesel version of the Cruze is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission and has an estimated range of 700 highway miles on a single tank of diesel fuel.

The 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine is rated for 148 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque (the engine features a special over boost function that can increase torque to 280 pound-foot for short bursts as needed). The vehicle is capable of accelerating from a stop to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds.

“We harnessed generations of diesel expertise to adapt our world-class global engine for the North American market,” said Gary Altman, chief engineer, Chevrolet Cruze Diesel. “The Cruze Diesel is the best diesel passenger car out there. Chevrolet is redefining the meaning of great fuel economy with this car.”

The starting price for the car is $25,695 including the $810 destination charge. The Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel also features the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, 17-inch wheels, leather seating, a five-year 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and a two-year maintenance plan as standard equipment.

Yeah this is a fail product. It's barely more economical than the existing Cruze, it requires MUCH more expensive fuel, and it's price premium is ludicrous. Which, sadly, is typical in America for diesel vehicles. $5k more, for what exactly? An engine swap? Please.

I don't know. VW is doing well selling their diesels even though it's a small market. I have said in the past that there is not much diesel demand because VW is a niche manufacturer. But I'm hoping that the only problem is that no one wants a VW and they're just waiting for another manufacturer to make a diesel. We'll see in a few years.

Well I wouldn't touch a VW with a 10 foot pole covered in AIDS, that's for sure.

As far as diesel, well, I don't see the big attraction. Hybrid technology is superior to diesel fuel imo. You spend less time burning fuel, the fuel is cheaper (In America), and the vehicle costs are pretty even. Hybrids, on average, are more fuel efficient to boot.

Then you still have some diesel vehicles sporting absurd crap like urea tanks? Yeah I really want to pour a jug of animal piss into my car once in a while, lovely! lol. What's the point of all that hassle?

quote: But I'm hoping that the only problem is that no one wants a VW and they're just waiting for another manufacturer to make a diesel.

Well there's been other diesel vehicles here besides VW's, but they've all failed for one reason or another.

I think the consumers just don't see a good ROI on diesel vehicles, and with the rise of hybrid technology, I can't really argue with them.

quote: Well I wouldn't touch a VW with a 10 foot pole covered in AIDS, that's for sure.

LOL! Well you know how I feel about VW/Audi.

quote: Well there's been other diesel vehicles here besides VW's, but they've all failed for one reason or another. I think the consumers just don't see a good ROI on diesel vehicles, and with the rise of hybrid technology, I can't really argue with them.

They've all sucked before though. I don't want a hybrid unless it's in a 918 Spyder or a McLaren P1. Hybrids can KMA otherwise. I would prefer a diesel because I can flash the ECU and make a lot more power when I want it (turbo). Maybe I can even make my own fuel and run that in the car instead. Granted these are my own personal reasons. You know, maybe I can pick up a used BMW 335d instead. Fuel economy isn't as good and maintenance would be expensive though.